Carolyn Biedenharn Boyd

Carolyn Biedenharn Boyd, 81, passed away on January 22, 2025 in Memphis, TN, surrounded by loved ones, after succumbing to a short illness. Carolyn was born to the late James and Mable Biedenharn on November 25, 1943 in Vicksburg, MS.

Carolyn graduated high school from Culkin Academy, Class of 1962. She received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS and Master of Education from Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. She pursued her career in teaching until 1979. Carolyn later joined her sister, Jimmie Faye Neblett, at her business Nebletts Frame Outlet, where she worked as the general manager. Later, she embarked as the owner and operated of Nebletts in Vicksburg, MS and Cleveland, MS. Using her eye for design in merchandise selection, she grew the multifaceted and large organization to include home décor and art. She was a gifted artist. Her watercolor paintings can be found in homes and offices throughout the south. Carolyn had the strength of leadership and a personality that made others gravitate to her. Carolyn and her husband attended First United Methodist Church in Clinton, MS for more than fifty years. They relocated to Hernando, MS, in 2021, where they were affiliated with Hernando United Methodist Church.

Carolyn’s greatest joy was her family, especially her loving husband of 61 years. She was cherished as everyone’s “MamMam”. Her sisters, Jimmie Faye and Mary, were her closest friends. She loved spending time with her large family. The grandchildren’s childhood memories include riding the train to New Orleans for fun-filled trips with “Granddiddy” and “MamMam”. Carolyn loved cooking, and she was the culinary matriarch of the family. She cared deeply for her family and neighbors – always ensuring that everyone was happy and healthy. She will be dearly missed by all.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents James and Mable Biedenharn; her beloved husband, Lonnie Gerald Boyd; her daughter, Connie Boyd Bailey; her sisters, Jimmie Faye Neblett and Mary Estelle Majors; her brothers-in-law, Jay Boyd and Robert (Bob) Edward Neblett Sr.; and sisters-in-law, Dorothy Boyd Carpenter and Elsie Boyd English.

She is survived by daughters, Kimberly Boyd McLaughlin (David); Carol Boyd Cook (Tony); son-in-law, Steve Bailey; her six grandchildren; Stephen Bailey (Margaret), Jordan Caroline Cook, Taylor Williams Ivers (Franklin), Mary Claire Cook Harper (Houston), Brady Allen McLaughlin, and Loni Catherine Cook; seven great grandchildren, special family friend Beth Rone Ross (Ben), and numerous adoring nieces and nephews.

Visitation and service will be held on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 at Lakewood Funeral Home & Memorial Park with visitation beginning at 1:00pm and the service at 2:00pm.